According to dog bite statistics, around 4.7 million dog bites happen per year in the United States with 800,000 cases calling for medical treatment. No matter how beloved people’s pets are in Monroe, dog bites still happen—and they can be catastrophic for victims. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog or attacked by another animal, speak with a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Monroe as soon as you can.
At John Foy & Associates, we are passionate about getting dog bite victims the compensation they need to cover their medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and more. Let us give you a FREE consultation to discuss how we can help—as we’ve done for countless people over the last 20 plus years.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation today.
How to Protect Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite in Monroe, GA
If you’re bitten by a dog or another animal in Monroe, you are likely entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim with the owner or at-fault party’s insurance company.
To pursue that compensation, you will need to provide evidence of the attack and other party’s negligence. You’ll also need to protect your legal rights so that the insurance company doesn’t end up paying less than your claim is actually worth.
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and begin building your case.
Identify the Owner or at-Fault Party
Before you can file a claim for a dog bite, you’ll need to know who the dog belongs to. If you were injured by another animal on someone’s property, you’ll need to know who owns that property.
If you’re looking for a dog’s owner, you might ask questions of witnesses or people who live nearby. Find out if they recognize the dog and know who its owner is and where they live. Many dogs that are allowed to roam freely will be recognizable to those who live in the area.
You’ll also need to know the owner’s information so you can find out information about the dog. It’s important to know if the dog has had its shot, especially the rabies vaccination, and whether or not the dog has a history of being aggressive or vicious. Thankfully, a Monroe dog bite lawyer can help you investigate the scene and look for this information if you can’t find it yourself.
Talk to Eyewitnesses
If the dog bite or animal attack happened in a public area, there’s a good chance other people saw it happen. Look around see if there’s anyone nearby who witnessed the bite or attack. Many people will run to your aid if they see you being attacked, so the witnesses might already be at the scene assisting you.
Ask witnesses what they saw, and ask for their names and contact information. Their accounts can help back up your claim and what happened. Your dog bite lawyer will reach out to any witnesses later using the information you collect at the scene.
Take Photos at the Scene
If the dog or other animal doesn’t run away too fast, use your phone to take a picture of them. You should also take pictures of your injuries and the scene of the bite or attack. Any photos you can take can be powerful sources of evidence in your claim.
If you were attacked by a wild animal on someone’s property, taking a picture of it can also show that it existed and was definitely on the property. That way, the property owner cannot deny it.
Report the Bite
Call 911 to report the dog bite or animal attack. Walton County Animal Control has officers that can come to the scene and help. They might also have information on the animal if it has bitten or been picked up before.
Get Your Injuries Treated
You should also get checked out by a doctor as soon as you can after the bite or attack happens. These types of injuries can worsen or get infected quickly, so don’t delay getting medical attention. Plus, seeing a doctor will create a record of your injuries and show the insurance company that you got medical attention right away, which is good for your claim.
Talk to a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Monroe
As soon as you can, contact a dog bite and animal attack lawyer in the Monroe area to help you with your case. This will be a personal injury lawyer that specializes in dog bite and animal attack cases. They can help you with your claim right away and begin gathering evidence.
Damages You Can Include in Your Dog Bite Claim
Since the dog owner or property owner is almost always liable for a bite, they are likely responsible for all of the costs resulting from your injuries. That means you can claim damages like the following in your insurance claim:
- Medical costs like doctor bills, hospital bills, prescription medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages for physical pain and emotional trauma from the bite or attack
While animal attacks can definitely cause serious physical injuries, they are especially likely to leave victims with emotional damages too. Young children are very prone to trauma after being attacked, but anyone can suffer from phobias or other mental problems afterward. These are damages you’ll want to discuss with your lawyer when working on your claim.
Speak with a Dog Bite and Animal Attack Lawyer in Monroe, GA for Free Today
Our dog bite and animal attack lawyers are John Foy & Associates have been helping injury victims all throughout Georgia win what they deserve for more than 20 years. It’s risk-free to work with us because we don’t charge a fee unless we win money in your case. Plus, the consultation is always FREE.
We know how painful and traumatic a bite or attack can be, and we’re here to be your biggest advocate. To schedule a FREE consultation and talk about your legal options today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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